verb

bode

bohd

Bode (verb) means to be a sign that something (usually bad) will happen; to portend. Example: “The dark clouds bode ill for tomorrow's picnic.”

verb

To be a sign that something (usually bad) will happen; to portend.

"The dark clouds bode ill for tomorrow's picnic."

"Her silence didn't bode well for the meeting."

How to use bode

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo be a warning sign of what's likely to happen next.

Common mistake

Almost always used in the fixed phrases "bode well" or "bode ill" — rarely used alone.

Common pairings

bode well bode ill does not bode well

Word forms

boded past tense, boded past tense, bode plural, boded plural, bodes plural, bodes plural, bodes plural, bodes plural, bodes singular, bode singular, boded singular, bodest singular, bodedst singular, bodeth singular, bodes singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “bode” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dark clouds _____ ill for tomorrow's picnic.

Etymology

From Old English bodian, "to announce or foretell," related to the word bid.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for bode

ode rode code mode node lode abode erode Rhode Goode encode decode

See all rhymes for bode →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bode” mean?

The word “bode” means to be a sign that something (usually bad) will happen; to portend. In plain terms, to be a warning sign of what's likely to happen next.

How do you pronounce “bode”?

“Bode” is pronounced bohd (/boʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “bode” in a sentence?

Here is “bode” used in a sentence: “The dark clouds bode ill for tomorrow's picnic.”

What part of speech is “bode”?

“Bode” is a verb.

Where does the word “bode” come from?

The word “bode” comes from Old English. From Old English bodian, "to announce or foretell," related to the word bid.